Welcome to the UM Bioethics Resource on Stem Cell Research. This resource was developed to help students, medical professionals, and the general public develop a grasp for the history and current events in the stem cell policy debate both in the state of Florida and nationally.
National Stem Cell Policy Timeline
June 20, 2007
President Bush vetoes the Stem Cell Enhancement Act of 2007. He simultaneously issues an Executive Order requiring federal agencies to pursue alternative avenues of research on pluripotent cells that do not involve the destruction of embryos.
June 7, 2007
The House of Representatives passes S.5 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, sending the bill to the President where it is expected to vetoed.
March 16, 2007:
After approving nearly $45 million for embryonic stem-cell research in February 2007, California's stem cell agency authorizes another $75.7 million to fund established scientists at 12 non-profit and academic institutions.
California Stem Cell Agency Press Release
April 11, 2007
The U.S. Senate passes a version of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 3) and the bill is returned to the House of Representatives.
Florida Stem Cell Policy Timeline
May 31, 2007
The Florida Supreme Court approves both state ballot amendments to be placed on the November 2008 ballot. The two opposing initiatives, one that would prohibit the use state funding for stem cell research and one that would force the state to spend $20 million annually for 10 years on embryonic stem cell research.
Florida Supreme Court Recommendation of Attorney General available here
May 4, 2007
SB 2496, filed by Mike Hardipolos (R-Indialantic) dies in the Committee on Health and Human Services Appropriations.
May 4, 2007
HB 1065, filed by Anitere Flores (R-Miami), dies on second calendar reading. The bill would have allocated $20 million for adult stem cell research.
March 1, 2007
Senator Mike Hardipolos (R-Indialantic) files SB 2496 in the Florida state Senate. The bill calls for $20 million in adult stem-cell research while prohibiting any research on embryonic stem cells. It is the corollary to Rep. Anitere Flores’ House bill.
See the bill SB 2496 here.
January 31, 2007
Governor Charlie Christ announces that he will not back human embryonic stem cell research, but is recommending the state legislature spend $20 million on adult stem cell research instead.
See the rest of the timeline here
